DMAIC
Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control. Incremental process improvement using Six Sigma methodology.
DMAIC can bee seen as a data-driven improvement strategy and for sure is part, or will be a part, of your organizations SIX SIGMA quality initiative. DMAIC is an acronym for: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.
DMAIC is a cyclical process such as the PDCA is. The reason to go for the DMAIC is to strive for the best result possible with a structured approach.
These process steps are:
DEFINE: the customers and their CTQ (Critical to Quality) and the core process involved.
Who are your customers?
What are their requirements for products or services?
What are their expectations?
Go for a value stream and map the process flow through the complete business process
MEASURE:
Define a plan on how to collect data from your core process
Go for different sources of data in order to be as specific as possible on defects and metrics
ANALYZE:
While analyzing the data along the process map make sure to identify the real root cause of defects and
point out opportunities for improvement
Compare shortfalls with the results of customer surveys
Determine gaps between targeted performance and current performance
Prioritize potential improvement measures
Identify variation and their source
IMPROVE:
Kaizen Workshops
Target is to improve the current process in a simple and effective way
Develop a prioritized action plan
Do it!
If you want a structured approach, just read our PDCA article.
CONTROL:
Stay tuned on your process improvement measures
Make sure that they stay on track
Prevent falling back to the “old way”
In the end, when you are in charge, require the full documentation. Make sure that everything implemented is well documented and a clear monitoring is installed that deviation can be fast identified.
Having or installing a sustainable problem solving culture in your organization will be key for the future. Make sure to institutionalize problem solving or a kaizen culture through training, training and more training.